Water "good to excellent"

By Riley Yates

Solebury's water quality is good, but more needs to be done to prevent erosion, lower water temperatures and build more eco-friendly infrastructure.

Those are among the conclusions offered during Thursday night's supervisors meeting by a consultant who has conducted an exhaustive, multiyear study of Solebury water resources.

Peter Brussock of Environmental Planning Consultants categorized Solebury's groundwater as “good to excellent” in most places.

He said erosion is the primary concern facing the township in the future, potentially hurting water quality, while also threatening to raise water temperatures to levels that cannot support fish.

Solebury has many poorly designed bridges and culverts that divert water from its natural flow and encourage the breakdown of nearby soil, he said.

Future culverts should be better made, while repair work should include environmental considerations as well, Brussock said.

Also, education campaigns are needed to teach residents about how to take care of waterways, Brussock said. For instance, many may not know that mowing near a stream can encourage erosion, he said.

“Everyone wants to see the steam from their kitchens,” said Brussock. “That's not good for the stream. That's not good for your neighbors down the stream.”

Among other findings presented:

*From 1970 to 2000, the number of ponds increased 145 percent, according to a study of aerial photos. The manmade bodies help retain groundwater, but can contribute to erosion and sedimentation.

*The number of fish communities in Solebury's five watersheds ranges from a high of 16 species in Pidcock Creek to a low of three species in Cuttalossa Creek. The dominant species was the American eel.

*Homes in the area of New Hope Crushed Stone quarry and the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority had significantly higher instances of dried up wells.

Solebury has been involved in a long legal battle with New Hope Crushed Stone, which the township believes harms the area's groundwater.

Article's URL: http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-11092007-1438131.html